Makino T4
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino T4 is the flagship of Makino's T-series titanium machining platform, delivering the largest work envelope and heaviest cutting capacity in the lineup. This 5-axis horizontal machining center is engineered for the most demanding titanium aerospace applications: large landing gear components, structural bulkheads, engine mounts, and wing attachment fittings that require aggressive material removal from heavy titanium forgings.
Axis travel extends to 1,500 x 1,200 x 1,000 mm (59.1 x 47.2 x 39.4 in) on X/Y/Z, accommodating the largest titanium structural components in single-setup 5-axis machining. The A-axis tilts 150 degrees (+30 to -120) and the C-axis provides full 360-degree continuous rotation, both direct-drive with the torque ratings needed for stability under extreme titanium cutting forces.
The high-torque spindle runs at 10,000 RPM with HSK-A100 taper, delivering 80 kW (107 hp) with torque exceeding 600 Nm. This represents the maximum spindle power in the T-series, enabling the most aggressive roughing strategies with large-diameter indexable face mills and high-feed cutters in Ti-6Al-4V. Through-spindle coolant at 70 bar (1,000 psi) standard ensures effective chip breaking during heavy titanium cutting.
The 800 x 800 mm (31.5 x 31.5 in) pallet handles 2,000 kg (4,409 lb), supporting the heaviest titanium billets and fixtures. A 120-tool ATC provides extensive tool storage for complex multi-operation parts. At approximately 40,000 kg (88,185 lb), the T4 delivers exceptional mass-to-cutting-force ratio for vibration-free machining. The Makino Pro 6 control with titanium-optimized strategies completes the package. The T4 competes with the Starrag STC 1250, Mitsui Seiki HU100-TS5, and DMG Mori DMU 160 P in the large-format titanium 5-axis segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,500 mm (59.1 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30° to -120° (150° total) |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A100 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 80 kW (107 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 600 Nm |
| Tool Capacity | 120 tools, (optional 180 tools) |
| Pallet Size | 800 x 800 mm (31.5 x 31.5 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) |
| Through Spindle Coolant | 1,015 psi @ 52.8 gal/min |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) |
| Machine Weight | ~40,000 kg (88,185 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
| Eventscontent Librarywebinar Archiveownersmakino Expertisesafety Data Sheetsnewsroomfinancing | Financing OptionsMakino makes it easy to upgrade with flexible financing optionsLearn More |
| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 157.5" x 59.1" |
| A Axis | +/- 110° |
| Spindle Rpm | 4,000 RPM - 133 HP/738 ft-lbs cont. |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 630 ipm |
| Cutting Feedrate | 630 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | 157.4 x 59.0 x 27.4" |
| Maximum Payload | 11,022 lbs |
| Tool To Tool | 20 sec |
| Chip To Chip | 40 sec |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | 11.8" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 66 lbs |
| Nozzle Coolant | 217 psi @ 52.8 gal/min |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 80 kW spindle with 600+ Nm torque delivers the highest material removal rates in the T-series for aggressive titanium roughing
- 1,500 x 1,200 x 1,000 mm travel handles the largest titanium structural components in single-setup 5-axis machining
- 40,000 kg machine mass ensures chatter-free cutting even during the most aggressive interrupted roughing operations
- 2,000 kg table load supports heavy titanium forgings and robust fixturing for maximum rigidity during cutting
- Horizontal orientation with optimized chip management extends tool life significantly in titanium production
- 120-tool ATC enables complex multi-operation parts to run unattended through roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing
Limitations
- Price of $1.5M-$2.2M represents a major capital investment requiring long-term aerospace production contracts
- 40,000 kg weight demands extensive foundation engineering and limits facility flexibility
- 10,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is not ideal for aluminum or small-tool finishing applications
- Large footprint requires significant floor space commitment in the production facility
- Highly specialized for titanium—less cost-effective for mixed-material production environments
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new Makino T4 typically runs between $1,500,000 and $2,200,000 depending on configuration. The 80 kW high-torque spindle and heavy-duty construction drive the price. Adding multi-pallet automation, upgraded high-pressure coolant, advanced tool monitoring, and specialized fixturing pushes toward the upper range. These machines are typically purchased for dedicated aerospace production programs with multi-year contracts.
02
The T4's high material removal rates in titanium help address the challenging buy-to-fly ratios typical in aerospace (often 10:1 to 20:1 for titanium structural parts). The 80 kW spindle enables aggressive roughing strategies that reduce the time needed to remove 90%+ of the starting material. Combined with reliable chip evacuation and tool life, the T4 reduces the total cost per part despite the high capital investment.
03
The T4's 40,000 kg mass is the primary vibration management strategy—sheer inertia resists the cutting forces generated during aggressive titanium roughing. Direct-drive rotary axes eliminate the gear backlash that can amplify vibration in worm-gear designs. The horizontal configuration keeps the heaviest structural elements close to the cutting zone. Additionally, Makino's spindle design incorporates active vibration monitoring that can adjust cutting parameters in real-time.
04
The T4 supports Makino's MMC multi-machine cell automation with multi-pallet pools. The 800 x 800 mm pallet interface works with standard pallet changers and storage systems. Given titanium cycle times (often 4-20+ hours per part), pallet automation is essential for maximizing machine utilization. Many T4 installations include 6-12 pallet pools allowing continuous unmanned operation across shifts.
05
Yes, the T4's high torque and rigid construction are well-suited for nickel-based superalloys like Inconel 718 and Waspaloy. The 80 kW spindle provides ample power for the low cutting speeds and high forces these materials demand. The 70 bar through-spindle coolant helps manage the extreme heat generated in superalloy machining. However, material removal rates in superalloys are significantly lower than in titanium, extending cycle times substantially.
Videos
Makino Inc.
Makino Inc.
TITANS of CNC MACHINING
Makino Inc.
TITANS of CNC MACHINING
Community Discussions
Community discussion — Makino T-Series 5-Axis HMCs Provide a Titanium Machining ...
Maintenance and service — Makino Customer Service Letdown! - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — 5-Axis Face Milling of a Ti Edge Frame - Practical Machinist
Electrical and installation requirements — Building on the Right Foundations ...
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




